Endoscope cleaning device

Abstract

The invention relates to devices, systems and methods for cleaning medical tools having an elevator mechanism; for example, duodenoscopes, linear echoendoscopes, and side viewing endoscopes. The device includes two nozzles for being positioned near and/or inserted in spaces around the elevator mechanism. The system includes the device and a pump to supply liquid to the device.

What is claimed is: 
     
       1. A method of cleaning a tool comprising an elevator mechanism, the method comprising:
 inserting the tool into a device, the device comprising:
 a container including drainage holes in a bottom of the container; 
 two nozzles fluidly connected to one or more tubes, the two nozzles being configured so that a pressurized water jet of each of the two nozzles contacts spaces around the elevator mechanism; 
 a cover being configured to close onto the container, such that the cover and the container form (i) a first water tight seal along edges where the cover contacts the container and (ii) an opening having a water seal rim, the opening being configured to hold the tool, the water seal rim being configured to form a second water tight seal around the tool; 
 
 holding a handle to position the two nozzles near the spaces around the elevator mechanism; and 
 actuating the device to clean the tool. 
 
     
     
       2. A device for cleaning a tool comprising an elevator mechanism, the device comprising:
 a container including drainage holes in a bottom of the container; 
 two nozzles coupled to the container and fluidly connected to one or more tubes, the two nozzles being configured to insert into spaces around the elevator mechanism of the tool, such that a pressurized water jet of each of the two nozzles contacts the spaces around the elevator mechanism; 
 a cover configured to close onto the container, such that the cover and the container form (i) a first water tight seal along edges where the cover contacts the container and (ii) an opening having a water seal rim, the opening being configured to hold a portion of the tool, the water seal rim being configured to form a second water tight seal around the portion of the tool; and 
 a handle configured to position the two nozzles into the spaces around the elevator mechanism. 
 
     
     
       3. The device of  claim 2 , wherein the device comprises one tube fluidly connected to the two nozzles. 
     
     
       4. The device of  claim 2 , wherein the device comprises two tubes fluidly connected to the two nozzles. 
     
     
       5. The device of  claim 2 , wherein the tool is a duodenoscope, a linear echoendoscope, or a side viewing endoscope. 
     
     
       6. The device of  claim 2 , wherein the two nozzles are configured to insert into recesses surrounding the elevator mechanism of the tool. 
     
     
       7. The device of  claim 2 , wherein the portion of the tool is a tip of the tool. 
     
     
       8. A system for cleaning a tool comprising an elevator mechanism, the system comprising:
 a device, comprising:
 a container including drainage holes in bottom of the container; 
 two nozzles fluidly connected to one or more tubes, the two nozzles being configured to position near the elevator mechanism of the tool so that a pressurized water jet of the two nozzles contacts the elevator mechanism; 
 a cover configured to close onto the container, such that the cover and the container form (i) a first water tight seal along edges where the cover contacts the container and (ii) an opening having a water seal rim, the opening being configured to hold the tool, the water seal rim being configured to form a second water tight seal around the tool; and 
 a handle configured to position the two nozzles near the elevator mechanism; and 
 
 a pump configured to supply a liquid into the device, wherein the pump is connected to the device through the one or more tubes. 
 
     
     
       9. The system of  claim 8 , wherein the liquid is water, magnetically charged water, a water-based solution, or a magnetically charged water-based solution. 
     
     
       10. The system of  claim 8 , wherein the liquid is a disinfectant solution. 
     
     
       11. The system of  claim 8 , wherein the pump is a high pressure pump. 
     
     
       12. The system of  claim 8 , wherein the pump is configured to pressurize the liquid to about 40-200 PSI. 
     
     
       13. The system of  claim 8 , further comprising a magnetic water generator configured to magnetically charge the liquid, wherein the magnetic water generator is connected to the pump through the one or more tubes. 
     
     
       14. The system of  claim 8 , further comprising a vacuum configured to remove air or liquid out of the device, wherein the vacuum is connected to the device through the one or more tubes. 
     
     
       15. The system of  claim 8 , further comprising a tool comprising an elevator mechanism. 
     
     
       16. The system of  claim 15 , wherein the tool is a duodenoscope, a linear echoendoscope, or a side viewing endoscope. 
     
     
       17. The system of  claim 8 , further comprising a drainage collection component, wherein the drainage collection component is configured to receive the bottom of the device and collecting the liquid drained through the drainage holes. 
     
     
       18. The system of  claim 17 , wherein the drainage collection component and the bottom of the device are configured to form an air tight seal along the edges where the drainage collection component contacts the bottom of the device. 
     
     
       19. The system of  claim 17 , further comprising a vacuum connected to the drainage collection component and configured to remove air or liquid out of the drainage collection component.